The Best Local Farmers Markets and What to Buy In Season Across Brisbane

Full baskets are back in Brisbane. With winter produce at its peak, local farmers markets are drawing bigger crowds than ever, and South East Queensland growers are debuting some of the freshest fruit and vegetables the region has seen all year.

The demand isn’t just about taste—it’s taken on new urgency following a wave of climate records across the east coast. Just this week, Sydney recorded its hottest June since 1859, underscoring the importance of shopping locally and seasonally to minimise food miles and support regional producers weathering more volatile growing conditions.

Where to Shop: Market Mornings from South Bank to New Farm

Brisbane’s long tradition of outdoor eating and year-round exercise—South Bank’s parklands are packed with runners even in July—has fuelled a healthy eating culture. Among the most popular weekend fixtures is Jan Powers Farmers Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse (119 Lamington St, New Farm), open every Saturday. Here, shoppers pick up just-harvested cavolo nero bunches for $3.50 and dig through tables laden with Queensland strawberries, now in peak season at around $5 per 250g punnet. Over on Little Stanley Street, South Bank’s weekly market buzzes each Friday and Saturday, transforming the parkland promenade into a patchwork of farm stands. Look for local stanthorpe apples, tangy mandarins from Gatton, and fresh-picked kale, best-priced just after 7am, according to regular marketgoers.

The Markets at Milton, held every Sunday on Cribb Street, provide an even broader snapshot of regional food. Expect to find punnets of ruby-red tomatoes from Lockyer Valley, sweet baby carrots from Wamuran, and wedges of washed rind cheese from Maleny dairies. More than 40 stallholders rotate through each month, drawing shoppers before the River Loop cycling crowd descends for brunch at nearby cafes.

What to Buy Now: Peak Season Highlights and Prices

Winter produce dominates stalls this month, with citrus, leafy greens, and root vegetables at their best. According to Queensland Farmers’ Federation, retail prices for winter brassicas—think broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage—are down around 7% from last July after strong yields, averaging $4 a head at most markets. Strawberries, which saw poor crops last winter, are plentiful this year with roadside sellers and market traders alike advertising punnets at two for $9. Queensland’s ginger—a favourite among home cooks for teas and stir-fries—remains steady at $30/kg for mature, unpeeled roots.

Market managers estimate weekend visitor numbers have jumped by nearly 20% year-on-year following a push towards hyper-local food. Many stalls now display ‘picked yesterday’ badges and offer recipe cards specific to each week’s harvest—South Bank’s produce map details which farm supplied each item on offer that morning. The University of Queensland’s Institute for Nutrition and Food Sciences recently told The Daily Brisbane that fresh produce from local markets contains up to 45% more vitamin C than supermarket greens kept in cold storage for over a week.

Whether stocking up for a New Farm Park picnic or just after a better deal on in-season fruit, taking a walk through these city markets delivers a taste of Queensland’s best—and a nod to the growers keeping Brisbane’s kitchens vibrant through a changing climate. For the fullest baskets and freshest produce, hit the stalls early, scan for winter citrus and greens, and don’t be afraid to try something new, from Wamuran carrots to sweet Stanthorpe apples. For shoppers keen to plan ahead, most markets update lists of expected produce on their Facebook and Instagram pages each Thursday.